Across the country this past Sunday folks celebrated and remembered Veterans Day. Originally known as “Armistice Day” back on Nov. 11, 1919, this day marked the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. Not to be confused with Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans, living or dead, but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.

The brave men and women who serve and protect the U.S. come from all walks of life; they are parents, children and grandparents. They are friends, neighbors and coworkers, and an important part of their communities.

A few facts about our Veterans from the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs:

  • 9.2 million veterans are over 65.
  • 1.9 million veterans are under 35.
  • 1.8 million veterans are women.
  • 7.8 million veterans served during the Vietnam War era.
  • 5.2 million veterans served during the Gulf War.
  • 2.6 million veterans served during World War II.
  • 2.8 million veterans served during the Korean War.
  • 6 million veterans served in peacetime.
  • As of 2008, 2.9 million veterans received compensation for service-connected disabilities.
  • 5 states have more than 1 million veterans in their population: California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania.
  • The VA health care system had 54 hospitals in 1930, since then it has expanded to include 171 medical centers; more than 350 outpatient, community, and outreach clinics; 126 nursing home care units; and 35 live-in care facilities for injured or disabled vets.

Many of our veterans are also bringing their leadership & skills into aviation. They are skillfully employed as pilots, mechanics, engineers, technicians, and leading our industry as company owners, officers, and department heads. Our industry needs the leadership our veterans provide through the discipline and training gained in our Armed Forces.

Special Services is proud to have veterans among our team. Jim Alexander served our country in the U.S. Army as a helicopter pilot and for the last 26 years has lead SSC as its’ Director of Operations and now as its’ President/CEO. Also, one of SSC’s Captains, Craig Eichmeyer served as Chief Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army and flew as pilot as well. Many of SSC’s clients, vendors, and colleagues are also veterans. We salute all the brave men and women who have and still are serving.

I will end with a few Veterans Day Quotes:

“ In the beginning of a change, the Patriot is a scarce man, Brave, Hated, and Scorned. When his cause succeeds however, the timid join him, For then it costs nothing to be a Patriot.” – Mark Twain

“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” – John F. Kennedy

“What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight – it’s the size of the fight in the dog” – General Dwight D. Eisenhower

“A young man who does not have what it takes to perform military service is not likely to have what it takes to make a living.” – John F. Kennedy

“Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way.” – General George Patton Jr

“We will not tire, We will not falter, We will not fail.” George W. Bush

“Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.” – General Dwight D. Eisenhower

“It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.” – Dick Cheney

“You don’t lead by hitting people over the head-that’s assault, not leadership.” – General Dwight D. Eisenhower

Brad Searls

President of Marketing & Sales